Team Picatinny shatters annual food drive record by more than 800-pounds

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Picatinny Arsenal collected 1,989 lbs. of non-perishable food items since Oct. 16 during its annual food drive, handily defeating the previous record of 1,148 lbs. collected in 2022.

Donations were first delivered to the Interfaith Food Pantry of Morris Plain, N.J. on Nov. 9. Because more contributions came in after the collection’s end date, a second drop-off was conducted on Nov. 14.

“Picatinny Arsenal is proud to do whatever possible to support the organizations in Morris County as we know the county is an integral part of our success as the DoD’s Center of Excellence for Guns and Ammunition,” said Lt. Col. Alexander D. Burgos, Picatinny Arsenal garrison commander.

The Interfaith Food Pantry Network has improved the health and well-being of Morris County residents in need by providing access to food, education and other resources for more than 25 years, collecting more than 1,700,000 lbs. of food and close to 1.5 million meals distributed.

“Holidays along with the cold weather can be the toughest time of the year for those in need, which is why we take this food drive so seriously,” said Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Whimple of the Picatinny Arsenal Religious Support Office.

The food drive was coordinated by Soldiers in the Religious Services Office as well as employees working in the Picatinny Arsenal Child and Youth Services Directorate and supported by employees and family members installation wide.

“One grocery bag of food can provide as many as 11 meals. Every single donation helps,” Whimple said.

Some of the items collected during the campaign included canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, beef stew, canned tuna, chicken, fruit juices, pasta, rice, condiments, nuts, peanut butter, cereal, and granola bars.

“This is my third year conducting this food drive and each year the Picatinny Arsenal community exceeds my expectations,” Whimple said. “I am so thankful and proud of our team, and I am truly honored to be able to give back to the community outside of the gates.”

During the first year of the food drive in 2021, Picatinny collected 800 pounds of non-perishable food items.